Microsoft plans to have you video calling groups of friends by the end of March

Microsoft has announced plans to have the world video calling groups of friends on Skype by the end of March. The company posted the announcement, which covers Android-powered tablets and phones, as well as the iPhone and iPad. Roll out has commenced in Western Europe and the U.S., with hopes to have these markets fully covered in the next couple of weeks.

Calling your loved ones, family and friends simultaneously will unlocked high-definition video playback with the person talking displayed clearly in view. Microsoft has also ensured audio quality will be of a high standard thanks to the SILK Super Wide Band audio codec, which was developed in collaboration with Intel for hardware utilizing the manufacturer's processors.

"We've built an experience optimized for mobile and tablet screens. You can flip between a highly immersive grid view that makes you feel like you're in the same room, or you can switch to focus view where Skype automatically focuses on the active speaker, or lets you choose which participant to 'Pin' to the stage. The latter view works particularly well when you have a large group on the call."

It's a neat feature that will enable anyone on all platforms to join in group chats, regardless as to where they may be, or what device they happen to have at hand. What's more is Microsoft has also increased the number of people who can be part of a single video call from 5 up to 25. Be sure to check you have the latest version of Skype installed and you should be good to go when the roll out hits your devices.